Best used small SUVs and 4x4s to buy 2026
If you're after a little extra style and space without breaking the bank, these are the best used small SUVs and 4x4s.
Few areas of the new car market have exploded in popularity quite like the small SUV sector. Over the last decade, these models have continually been some of the best-selling cars in the UK, and this means that the best used small SUVs can now be found in abundance for some very tempting prices.
In general, small SUVs derive their underpinnings from superminis and small hatchbacks, a more conventional category of small car, making them easy and rather pleasant to drive without taking up much more space on the road.
Their chunky 4x4-inspired looks and high rooflines also make them appealing to buyers, as they are a little more robust and practical for day-to-day family life.
So space and style are two of the biggest considerations here, but so are low running costs and reliability. Above all else, though, these cars have to be affordable. The initial sting of depreciation has been felt by the first owner, so every model here boasts a very competitive price range.
The best used small SUVs and 4x4s…
Our expert road testers have driven every make and model of small SUV and 4x4 on the market. We think the Renault Captur is currently the best used small SUV thanks to its stylish looks, generous levels of practicality and low running costs.
If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to the Captur, the Kia Soul feels quite up-market, is practical and equally as modern in feel. The Hyundai Kona is another great alternative, with lots of space and all models coming loaded with lots of useful tech as standard.
| Rank | Make and model |
| 1. | Renault Captur |
| 2. | Kia Soul |
| 3. | Hyundai Kona |
| 4. | Ford Puma |
| 5. | Mercedes GLA |
| 6. | Citroen C3 Aircross |
| 7. | Vauxhall Crossland |
| 8. | Volkswagen T-Roc |
| 9. | Kia Niro |
| 10. | Toyota C-HR |
Keep scrolling to discover the best used small SUVs and 4x4s, or click the links in the table above to jump directly to a specific make and model...
1. Renault Captur
● 1.0 TCE ICONIC (2020), 46,500 miles, £9,495
Why Buy? All the best bits of the Clio, in an even more versatile package.
The Renault Captur is, in essence, a Clio that sits a bit higher on the road. So it’s no surprise that we rate this compact SUV so highly – high enough to make it our 2020 and 2021 Small SUV of the Year.
Pretty much everything that applies to the Clio applies here, so if you invest in a Captur you can enjoy punchy engines, excellent refinement, a spacious cabin (with sliding rear seats for added versatility), and ride comfort that’s better than you’ll generally find elsewhere in the class.
Not only does the Captur look great on the outside, but it’s just as appealing inside, thanks to an intuitive layout, plus the use of high-quality materials. Even better, you’ll find the cabin well stocked with comfort and safety equipment; while this small Renault was great value when new, it’s even more so second-hand.
It was launched in March 2020 with three- cylinder 1.0 (TCe 100) and four-cylinder 1.3-litre (TCe 130) petrol engines; there was also a 1.5 dCi diesel with either 94bhp or 114bhp.
Later that year the E-Tech plug-in hybrid appeared, then in August 2021 a mild-hybrid version was launched. All engines are worth considering, although entry-level models can feel breathless on the motorway. The diesel is rare, but good for higher-mileage drivers.
We’d avoid the entry-level Play edition (which is very unusual anyway) and opt instead for a more fully equipped mid-range Captur Iconic (later renamed Evolution). The range-topping SE Edition (which became the Techno) is even more luxurious.
Latest used Renault Captur deals
2. Kia Soul
● 1.6 GDI 2 (2012), 94,000 miles, £2,995
Why buy? Practical, distinctive and easy to drive, the Soul is available for buttons.
If cash is tight but you want to stand out, a first-generation Kia Soul does just the job.
It still looks distinctive but there’s substance to back up the style, because this is a practical compact SUV that’s cheap to buy and run. Choose between 1.6-litre petrol or diesel engines, with facelifted cars (from October 2011) featuring a higher-quality cabin and a load of extra standard kit.
3. Hyundai Kona
● 1.0 T-GDI S (2018), 58,000 miles, £5,295
Why buy? Great value, readily available, and as dependable as they come.
Hyundai got a bit carried away with the original Kona, because it engineered this neat-looking compact SUV to take petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric powertrains.
All are desirable enough, because they’re all loaded with equipment, dependable and easy to drive. Rear space is a bit tight, but in terms of value for money you’ll have to search hard to find something significantly better.
Latest used Hyundai Kona deals
4. Ford Puma
● 1.0T Titanium (2023), 32,000 miles, £11,695
Why buy? Proof that affordable SUVs can be tremendous fun to drive.
The Fiesta, Focus and Mondeo may be dead, but the Ford Puma continues, showing the Blue Oval hasn’t given up on petrol cars that are great to drive.
Keenly priced, plentiful, dynamically excellent and nicely designed inside and out, the Puma is a best-seller, so there are masses of used examples. Most have a 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine that can be fragile, so ensure any potential purchase has been serviced on schedule.
5. Mercedes GLA
● GLA 180 AMG LINE (2021), 54,000 miles, £19,995
Why buy? It’s everything you’d expect of a Mercedes, and for sensible money.
You’ll find relatively few premium cars in our Used Car Awards because they tend to hold their value well, making cheaper rivals more appealing. The Mercedes GLA is a rare exception.
Take your pick from petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains and enjoy the high-quality cabin, brilliant infotainment and loads of standard equipment. No wonder it was our Premium Small SUV of the Year three times in a row.
Latest used Mercedes GLA deals
6. Citroen C3 Aircross
Citroen has long stood for individualistic styling inside and out, and while this sometimes puts form ahead of function, that’s not the case with the C3 Aircross.
It looks distinctive, but is easy to live with, thanks to a roomy cabin and some really neat design touches. Petrol and diesel cars are offered, but the icing on the cake is low prices – you can buy one for as little as £5,000.
Latest used Citroen C3 Aircross deals
7. Vauxhall Crossland
Vauxhall offered an array of SUVs before the Crossland arrived in 2017, but none were easy to recommend.
However, the Crossland changed everything, because it was refined, good to drive, well equipped and looked smart. With practicality also a strong suit, it hit the spot and you can now pick one up from as little as £6,000 in petrol or diesel form. There are no EV versions, though.
Latest used Vauxhall Crossland deals
8. Volkswagen T-Roc
The Volkswagen T-Roc sits between the T-Cross and Tiguan and straddles the small and mid-sized SUV segments, so in this company it has above-average cabin and boot space.
It’s well made, ergonomically laid out and easy to live with, but rather unexciting. You can pick between 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 TSI turbocharged petrol engines, along with 1.6 and 2.0 TDI diesels, all of which are worth a look. Prices start from as little as £8,000.
Latest used Volkswagen T-Roc deals
9. Kia Niro
Buyers wanting a sensible and cost-effective used compact crossover are spoiled for choice, but one of the best is the original Kia Niro.
Look past its rather bland styling and you’ll discover a spacious and well equipped family car that’s as easy to live with as it is to drive. You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to engines, too, with self-charging and plug-in hybrid variants as well as the all-electric Kia e-Niro model that claims up to 282 miles of battery range. Then there’s the fact that many examples will still have cover from Kia’s seven-year warranty.
10. Toyota C-HR
One of the first mainstream machines to combine a rugged SUV stance with sleek coupe looks, the Toyota C-HR is a great choice for families wanting to turn on the style.
Under the Toyota’s eye-catching bodywork is the same platform as the Prius, which means similarly engaging driving dynamics, with impressive smoothness and refinement, plus the option of hybrid powertrains.
The well made interior is roomy enough, but that sloping roofline means rear-seat occupants may feel a little claustrophobic. On the plus side, a five-year warranty and Toyota’s reputation for reliability should mean the C-HR will prove drama-free.
Now find out more about the best used cars to buy...
